21 Mar 2026

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ concludes as record-breaking tournament celebrates new era for women’s football in Asia

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ has concluded in spectacular fashion tonight, with Japan crowned continental champions following a 1-0 victory over Australia in front of a sold-out crowd of 74,397 fans at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

The Final brought the curtain down on a historic and record-breaking edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™, with 355,528 fans attending matches across Perth, the Gold Coast and Sydney - making the 2026 tournament the most attended Women’s Asian Cup in history and a landmark moment for women’s football across Asia.

That extraordinary support was reflected in a series of attendance records that fell throughout the competition. Tonight’s Final now stands as the highest-attended match in tournament history, after the record was first broken on Opening Night when 44,379 fans packed the stands for Australia v Philippines, before being surpassed by 60,279 for the Matildas’ clash with Korea Republic. The competition also set a new record for the highest attendance at a match featuring two non-host nations, with that mark broken twice during the tournament before reaching 17,367 for the Korea Republic v Japan Semi Final.

Over 21 days, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ delivered unforgettable moments on and off the pitch, showcasing the very best of football while capturing the imagination of fans across the region. Passionate crowds packed five of the nation’s best stadiums, creating electric atmospheres and demonstrating the extraordinary momentum behind the women’s game.

The tournament also determined six nations who will represent AFC at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, with Australia, Japan, China PR, Korea Republic, Philippines and Korea DPR securing direct qualification as the tournament’s top six teams.

This edition also marked a series of historic firsts that elevated the tournament to new heights. The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ introduced WAVEMAKER, the first bespoke Official Match Ball in the tournament’s history, unveiled Naara as the competition’s first-ever official mascot, debuted That’s How We Win as its first Official Tournament Anthem, and saw Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology implemented from the Group Stage for the first time. The largest-ever panel of match officials in Women’s Asian Cup history was also appointed, with 45 referees and officials from 20 Member Associations overseeing matches throughout the tournament.

Off the pitch, fans were welcomed into vibrant fan zones at each venue, where interactive experiences, community activations and the tournament’s innovative Health Hubs created festival-like environments around matchdays, reflecting the tournament’s ambition to deliver impact beyond the game.

The tournament also set a new benchmark for major event entertainment. Global star Audrey Nuna delivered a spectacular Opening Ceremony performance in Perth, while Australian powerhouse ZIPPORAH debuted the Official Tournament Anthem. Fans were also treated to a powerful International Women’s Day performance from chart-topping singer Dami Im, before ARIA Award-winning artist G Flip headlined tonight’s Closing Ceremony ahead of the Final.

The bold Dream Fearless tournament brand - incorporating Indigenous design elements created in collaboration with First Nations artists Shauna Hill and Grace Amidy - celebrated the cultural depth of Australia while reflecting the unity and diversity of women’s football across Asia.

A team of 1,200 dedicated volunteers were central to the success of the event, welcoming teams and fans from across the continent and helping deliver a world-class experience across all host cities. In a powerful reflection of the of both the tournament and the communities that embraced it, 55 per cent of the volunteer workforce came from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, with 85 nationalities represented across the volunteer pool.

With a new champion crowned, six nations now qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, and record crowds celebrating the women’s game across three Australian host cities, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ closes as the most successful and impactful edition in the tournament’s proud history.

Quote attributable to Sarah Walsh, Chief Operating Officer, AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™: 

“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ has been a truly landmark tournament, and a powerful reflection of just how far women’s football has come across Asia and here in Australia.

“Over the past three weeks, we have seen record-breaking crowds, extraordinary football, and an incredible sense of connection in our host cities. To close the tournament with a sold-out Final at Stadium Australia is a fitting finale to what has been an inspiring and unforgettable competition.

“What has made this edition so special is not just what happened on the pitch, but the way communities came together around it. This tournament has celebrated the diversity of our region and shown the power of women’s football to bring people together.

“We set out to deliver the biggest, boldest and most successful AFC Women’s Asian Cup in history, and I’m immensely proud that we’ve achieved that. I’m also incredibly thankful to our government partners, the staff, volunteers, all the fans, and everyone who played a part in bringing that vision to life.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:

 “I am beyond proud that Australia has hosted the most successful AFC Women’s Asian Cup in history, with record crowds joining the spectacle and celebrating the best of women's sport.

 “From the playground to podium, the Albanese Government is committed to supporting physical activity for women and girls and our $15 million investment in this tournament is elevating women's sport in Australia through another world-class major event.

 “Congratulations to the Matildas and all the teams on their stellar performances, and to everyone involved in staging this historic event.”

Quote attributable to NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper:

“The Matildas rounded off the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Sydney in front of a massive crowd at Stadium Australia tonight, with fans also cheering them on at Sydney’s Tumbalong Park Live site, and across the state.

“Sydney has played host to tens of thousands of visitors and locals at 11 AFC Women’s Asian Cup matches, including two quarterfinals, a semi-final and tonight’s final.

“The tournament has brought together a diverse range of communities who have turned out in record-breaking numbers to witness some of the best women’s football in the world.

“Sydney continues to shine as the major events capital of the Asia Pacific by offering unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors of all ages.”

Quote attributable to Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell:

"Queensland is cementing its reputation as Australia’s event capital, with the Women’s Asian Cup on the Gold Coast showcasing our global appeal for world-class events.

"The tournament has delivered an unforgettable celebration of football, bringing together elite talent, passionate fans, and a vibrant atmosphere in one of our most iconic tourism regions.

"Congratulations to every player, team, organiser, and supporter who made this the most successful tournament in history and reinforced Queensland as the Event State."

Quote attributable to the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA, Western Australia’s Minister for Tourism: 

“The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 has been an outstanding, record-breaking tournament – and I’m incredibly proud of the vital role Western Australia has played in bringing it to life. From hosting the prestigious Opening Match and Ceremony to Perth crowds witnessing the Matildas’ triumphant quarter-final and semi-final victories, these moments will be remembered as part of our sporting history.

“The Western Australian Government recognises the immense value major events bring to our State and their contribution to our economic diversification strategy. Not only do they showcase Perth and our world-class sporting facilities to millions of viewers internationally, but they also attract visitors who fill our hotels, restaurants, cafes and pubs – directly supporting the tourism sector, local jobs and businesses.”

Quote attributable to Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate:

“The Gold Coast has delivered world-class football, great crowds and an unbeatable atmosphere.

“We’ve shown players and fans from across Asia why our city is a leading major events destination.

“Events like this not only inspire the next generation of footballers, but also deliver real benefits for our local economy, supporting tourism, jobs and businesses right across the Gold Coast.”

--ENDS--

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Media Contact

Angela Habashy | General Manager – Media & Communications

AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ LOC Office

E:  Angela.Habashy@womensasiancup2026.com.au | T: +61 (0) 424 747 049